School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Collection
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ItemDeterminants of maize crop yield in Kagadi district in Uganda(Makerere university, 2021)The main objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of maize yield in Uganda, focusing on Kagadi district. The specific objectives were: To describe the socio-economic characteristics of the maize producers in Kagadi district, to examine the factors that influence the farm level yield of maize and to assess the challenges that farmers are facing the production of maize. Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 100 maize farmers from four (4) sub counties that make up Kagadi District. The data were collected through the use of oral interviews using semi structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, and linear Regression analysis. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The study results indicated that majority of respondents that took part in the study were married females who do not belong to a farmer group, and have limited access to extension services and credit. Results from the regression show a statistically significant positive relationship between the age of the famer, access to extension services, household size, distance from home to the market, amount of fertilizers used and maize production(P<0.05) major challenges that farmers face in maize production include high production costs, prolonged drought, weevil damage, among others. The study recommends that the government should develop strategic policies to improve the road network infrastructure to help maize farmers to easily access the market.
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ItemAnalysing the value chain for maize in Kitgum district, (case study of Kitgum Municipality, Amida, and Kitgum Matidi Sub-county)(Makerere university, 2019)Maize is an important crop for food security particularly in Kitgum district since it is highly consumed and produced staple crop in most areas of the district, it is central crop to most of the household and national income earning. Background: The study was conducted in Kitgum district in Northern Uganda to analyze the maize value chain for producer, retailers, wholesalers, in put dealers and processors. Method: Respondents were randomly selected and structured questionnaires were administered. The data obtained was analyzed using Microsoft excel and used to calculate the gross margin for every one hundred kilogram (100 KGs) for the various actors in the maize value chain Secondary data were also obtained through focus group discussion and informant interviews Findings: The study showed that most producers of maize highly depend on family labors, uses rudimentary tools and ending up producing an average of two hectares of land per producing household Despite the fact that farmers (producers) are the highest margin earners but they remain at the disadvantage side because, a farmer earns the quoted margin per season, i.e. twice a year while the other actors can earn such margins daily, weekly, monthly depending on their turnover. In the end, the other actors reap huge profits at the expense of the farmers. Secondly, not many farmers are constantly involved in maize production because of the changing prices of maize. It was also found out that many farmers grow different crops each season / year depending on the prices and demand each crop fetch yearly Conclusion: The researcher found out that there is constant need for interventions that aim at higher farm yields and lowering the post harvest losses to get the highest return. Farmers should go for other option than relying on rain-fed system, increased on their climate variability and target better technology to manage new pests and diseases that affects their crops
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ItemFactors that affect the profitability of sesame production among smallholder farmers in Kitgum-Matidi Sub-County, Kitgum District.(Makerere University, 2025)This study examined the factors affecting the profitability of sesame production among smallholder farmers in Kitgum-Matidi Sub-County, Kitgum District, Northern Uganda. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected from 76 sesame farmers using structured questionnaires, complemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The total variable costs revealed labor as the largest expense (54.6%), followed by transportation (19.3%) and land hiring (15.6%). The average yield was 326 kg per acre with a gross farm income of 1,500,000 UGX and a gross profit margin of 877,000 UGX, demonstrating the profitability of sesame cultivation in the area. Regression analysis revealed that farm size, educational level, and access to extension services were significant positive determinants of profitability, highlighting that inadequate extension services harmed returns. The major challenges reported included inadequate extension services, price fluctuations, limited access to improved seed, and market-related constraints. The study recommended strengthening extension delivery, improving input accessibility, and enhancing market information systems to boost profitability among smallholder sesame farmers in Kitgum-Matidi.
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ItemFactors influencing the adoption of improved cassava varieties among small holder farmers in Alikua sub county.(Makerere University, 2026)This study assessed the adoption of improved cassava varieties, specifically the NASE a nd NAROCASS series, among smallholder farmers in Alikua Sub-County, Maracha Distric t. The research study aimed to characterize the cassava production system, determine a doption levels, and identify factors influencing adoption. A cross-sectional survey was c onducted with 75 farmers selected through purposive and random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statisti cs summarized farmer demographics, farm characteristics, and adoption pattems, while Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examin e relationships between adoption and socio-economic factors. The findings revealed that 64.8% of farmers had adopted improved cassava varieties. Ad opters were generally younger, more educated, and engaged in diversified income activiti es compared to non-adopters. On average, adopters cultivated more land (2.65 acres vs 2.14 acres), allocated more land to cassava (1.55 acres vs 1.03 acres), and achieved hig her yields (395.87 kg vs 198.97 kg) with shorter maturity periods (11 months vs 12.1 mo nths). Adoption was significantly associated with household size, landholding, cooperati ve membership, and access to extension services, while age had a marginal negative eff ect. Sex, marital status, education level, and farming experience were not significant dete rminants. Farmers faced major challenges including pests and diseases, limited access to quality planting materials, land shortages, and poor agronomic knowledge, with additional cons trains such as limited extension services, high input costs, and inadequate storage facilities ties. The study concluded that household size, landholding, and access to institutional support strongly influenced adoption. It recommended strengthening cooperatives, improving access to quality planting materials, promoting labor management strategies, and addressing land and economic constraints to enhance adoption and productivity.
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ItemProfitability of Coffee Production among the Youth in Kirumba Sub County, Kyotera(Makerere university, 2019)The study was carried out to investigate the profitability of coffee production among the youth in Kirumba Sub County, Kyotera district. It was to characterize the production and marketing systems used by the youth coffee farmers, compute the profitability of coffee production and also determine the factors that influence the profitability of coffee production. Primary data sources were used which included a questionnaires and interviews. The target population was 60 youth farmers that is 30 coffee, 16 bananas and 14 beans from Kirumba Sub County, Kyotera district. Random sampling technique was employed to compare the view of the youth farmers from four villages which were randomly selected. The data was analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares. A linear regression was run to analyze coffee profitability. Data presentation was inform of tables and figures to help interpret the findings and generate conclusions that aided solution to the identified challenges. The research established that sex, land size, time spent growing coffee, access to extension services, distance from the market and herbicide use greatly affected the profitability of coffee among the youth. The study recommended that there was need for more youth farmer groups, ICT integration so as to ease information access and also more farmer trainings should be done so that the youth can adjust to the ever changing coffee sector. This will help increase coffee profitability among the youth